Wentz, Hurts impressive as camp opens
PHILADELPHIA » The quarterbacks stood out Monday in the first Eagles practice open to the outside world since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
So did the absence of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, one of two major Eagles signings in free agency.
Quarterback Carson Wentz killed it during the 10-10-10 practice with one completion after another, including a fade Dallas Goedert made a juggling, diving catch of in the end zone at the NovaCare Complex.
Wentz easily was the best player on the field.
Rookie third-round draft pick Jalen Hurts also had an impressive practice as he put the ball wherever he wanted it, albeit against the reserves.
First-round draft pick Jalen Reagor made big catches for both of those quarterbacks, artfully stretching out for a Hurts fade and tight-roping down the sideline after a laser from Wentz.
Hargrave is out “multiple
weeks” with an upper body injury according to the Eagles. With the regular season opener less than a month away, the Eagles could be without Hargrave, who inked a three-year, $39 million contract.
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has been down this injury road before, the Eagles losing defensive tackle Malik Jackson in the first game last season. Jackson was back at work Monday. Cox is optimistic Hargrave will be there when the Birds need him.
“It just means the other guys will get more reps,” said Cox, who expects Hargrave to be ready for the season opener.
If not for the masks worn by head coach Doug Pederson and his staff, plus the markings on the field for social distancing purposes, it looked a lot like your basic Eagles training camp minus fans.
In the 11-on-11 practice with live contact, rookie linebacker Shaun Bradley of Temple shoved tight end Zach Ertz hard to the ground.
“It felt normal for the big guys up front,” Cox said. “It felt normal but when you get back in the building you’ve got to get your mask on.”
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The Eagles have resorted to reporting injuries the NHL way.
Not practicing Monday in addition to Hargrave were guard Jason Peters (lower body) and wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (lower body), who are day to day.
Duke Riley missed practice with what the Eagles called an illness.
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The Eagles waived quarterback Kyle Lauletta, the product of Downingtown East, and signed wide receiver Marcus Green.
For now, the Eagles are rolling with Wentz, Nate Sudfeld and Hurts at the quarterback position.
Sudfeld is working with the second team.